The END of Men

And the Matriarchal Preemption

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Malachi 4:5-6

"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17

From the beginning of creation, Satan knew that he could only rule the earth by usurping God's given authority.  Since God's authority is patriarchal, Satan had to disempower the man to accomplish this goal and he has historically tried to use matriarchy to do this.

In the world today, there has risen a distaste in the mouths of both men and women for "patriarchy".  It has become a dirty word.  Yet, this is not a "man vs. woman" thing.  Neither is it about being anti-woman.  I am speaking of being for the things of God. Do we or do we not believe that God's ways are best for us and for our good?   By that same token, do we or do we not believe that such which contradicts God's ways are wrong for us and intended for our destruction?

There is no gender inequality in God.  Men and women are equal, but simply have different roles by which we work together as a reflection of the image of God.  If we do not understand this, then we will miss out on God's individual purpose for our lives as well as be blind to Satan's attacks in this area, allowing the promotion of things like My Princess Boy.

I am going to speak bluntly in this article (and include videos which do the same). I am going to share things God has told me without great explanation and simply trust Him to reveal/confirm His truths to those with ears to hear.

The Church Has Been Hijacked

And the Weapon of Choice is "Music"

A year ago, Steve Harvey gave an interview to Donnie McClurkin, where he gives a worldly critique of what is "wrong with the church".  One of his suggestions for how the church might be able to better reach the world was that they allow secular artists to come and sing in the assembly of the saints.

This mindset - that music is somehow just about individual talent - is shared by many, but is in error.  We have written about music before, but many people still do not understand that music is a ministry.  It is an offering to God used to usher in His presence and minister to His people.

This is why it is said that music is "food for the soul."  However, the question is, "What are you feeding your soul?  Is it edifying your spirit (conforming you more to the image of God) or fortifying your soul (making you soulish and conforming you to the image of the world)?"

There is a terrible misconception that what makes music sacred or secular is the lyrics. However, music has a power all of its own (apart from the lyrics) to minister to one's soul based on the spirit it carries.

Is Jesus Your Idol?

"I" Am a Christian!

As we deal with idolatry, it is only fitting that we address the biggest idol of all, who happens to go by the name "Jesus".  Oftentimes, people comment on this site or others by prefacing their comments with, "I am a Christian...", "My father is a pastor...", or "I am saved too...."

It is almost like they expect such statements to give a sort of validity to their comments.  We are supposed to say, "Oh, well they are Christians so they must know what they are talking about."  This is also reflective of how people approach Christianity these days.

In many ways, the word "Christian" has almost become one of the most meaningless words in the world because most who use it do so with no regard for what it means.  There is no substance of Christ in their "Christianity" because they have created an idol named "Jesus" who is not the same as the true Son of God.

This Christ idol also has a number of false sayings to undergird him; sayings which many proudly promote, being deceived into thinking that these statements reflect Christ. 

Are Allah and Yahweh the Same?

Who Is Allah?

We often receive comments from Muslims who falsely believe - or at least put forth - that Christians and Muslims are all on the same side; namely God's side.  It is not uncommon these days to hear Muslims speaking of such commonality, proclaiming that they love Jesus, and that He is the same as the "Mahdi" that Muslims believe will be soon coming as the redeemer of Islam.

Anyone who knows just a little about Islam and Christianity would know from a surface review that these are not the same deities...and never have been.  So then, "Who is Allah?"

In conducting the research for the Worship of Baal-Peor article, I came across much information that tied Islam to ancient moon worship.  From the position of devotion assumed by Muslims in prayer (which was also assumed in the worship of Baal Peor), to the kissing of the Black Stone, to the symbology of the crescent moon as a representation of Islam, etc.

Sin is Past

Can You Be A "Saved" Sinner?

We have spoken in the past about sin, and about how it is an error for Christians to refer to themselves as sinners.  However, some still struggle with the Scriptural truth that those in Christ have been freed from sin (Romans Chapter 6; Galatians 5:24; I Peter 4:1; I John 3:6-9).

In fact, to get around this issue, many professing Christians are attempting to separate one's standing in God from the issue of sin altogether.  It is this perspective which generates the falsehood that God is a friend of sinners.  As a result, we are presented with a salvation experience in Christ which has no bearing on sin.  You continue as you were, but you are now "saved".

Such also means of course that once you are saved, your sin no longer matters so you can never lose your salvation.  You are still a sinner, but you are just forgiven.  The essence of salvation then is not that you are delivered from a state of death (sin), but that God simply turns a blind eye to your dead condition. 

Yet, does this view hold water?  We know that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, but is it true that we continue being sinners after being reconciled to God in Christ? 

You Cannot Worship God and An Idol

Seek The God Who Answers By Fire

"And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." Hebrews 1:7

Pastor Zac Poonen posted a message this week called "The Fire is the Proof", which I would like to share with you below. In it, he speaks about the glory of the Lord and the importance of discerning God's presence.

While he speaks primarily of this as it relates to the church, God kept taking my mind back to the temple of our bodies and the life we lead before Him.  Do you find yourself in a dry place with the Lord?  Seek a return of His glory, of His fire.  He has not changed.  Have you?

Remember, there were ten virgins and only five were wise enough to retain oil in their lamps which would be set alight at the coming of the Lord.  How can we be the light of the world if there is no fire within - the life of Christ - to set us aflame?

I Wanted to Be an AKA... Why This is a SERIOUS Matter

Breaking the Chains of a Sorority or Fraternity

"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him." Deuteronomy 13:6-9

I have previously done an article on the idolatry upon which Greek Letter organizations, how they each represent worship of false gods, and each are part of the occult.

In the videos below, a sister from Set Free Indeed shares her own personal testimony of involvement in the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) organization.  This testimony addresses her struggle to reconcile her faith in Christ with her experiences as an AKA, including:

• Becoming initiated into the AKA organization
• The conflict of being a born again Christian while belonging to AKA
• The deliverance God brought her through to renounce this association.

Now I am sure that this will generate comments from those defending the virtue of these organizations.  I have no interest in such discussions.  I do not belong to any BGLO, so I don't have a dog in this fight.

However, as a Christian, I am completely dedicated to exposing works of darkness, especially those hidden works which try to portray themselves as vessels of light (II Corinthians 11:14-15).  The question is not whether there is some "good" about Greek organizations, but about whether the principles which undergird them - and participation in them - are congruent with a life in Christ. 

Our God IS a God of Love

The Gospel of "God's Love"

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth..." I Corinthians 13:4-8a

Much is done in the name of "love", and yet many of it has no basis in "love" at all.  Love perhaps is one of the most distorted words in the human language, used to support & justify the most debase, selfish, and unloving things.

For me personally, nothing is more nauseating than to hear professing Christians championing a "God of love" by defining "love" in ways which are the antithesis of who God is. Why?  Because we have no right to define God according to our own understandings.  If God is love - and He is - then He alone can define what love is. 

I briefly wrote on this by citing various Scriptures which might appear to be downright unloving to some, but were nonetheless acts of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The very words of Scripture - which reveal to us the character of God - convict us about a human perspective of "love".  What we need is a divine revelation of who God is.  Only then can we say that "God is love" and understand what that really means.

"Me" Runs Deep

The Answer for "Me"

Like many, I have often prayed in desperation, "Lord, please get the 'me' out of me!  Help me to get my focus off of myself so that I can be filled with more of you."

Yet, no matter how far we journey with the Lord, "me" seems to still be around.

At the center of everything should be Jesus Christ.  Yet, you can be in a situation where God pulls back the covers to let you see yourself and guess who is standing there??  It is not Christ after all, but "me".

You may have thought your motivations were righteous, but there is "me" - standing front and center, smiling back at you. This can be a truly frustrating experience.

However, I believe that many times God lets us go through situations just so we can see how much of "me" is still in operation in our lives (Luke 22:31).  Like the innumerable minions in the "Despicable Me" movie, there are as many shades of "me" as imaginable.

Jesus is NOT a Friend to Sinners

He is a Savior for Them

"Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you."  John 15:14

There are many popular sayings in the churchworld and often they have no basis in truth.  One such saying is that "Jesus is a friend to sinners."

friend: a person attached to another by feelings of affection, liking, and loyalty; a supporter or ally; a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile.

Does Scripture support the belief that God is a friend of sinners?  No!  Yet many - unknowingly it seems - espouse such things, even while considering themselves a "Christian".  They have forged a god based on their own imaginations who is nothing like the God of Scripture; so much so that the character of the true God offends them.

Much of the Christian contemporary music scene undergirds the image of this false god; an idol that feels really warm and fuzzy to man, but is based in falsehood.  One such song is "God is Not a White Man" by Gungor, which we reviewed in a previous article.  Recently, someone contested this article by claiming that God is a friend to all and He loves everyone.  Afterall, don't we know that Jesus is a friend to sinners?

In the text of John 15:14, Jesus defines exactly who His friends are: those who obey Him.  Do sinners obey God?  No.  They are by definition "children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2, 5:6; Colossians 3:6).  Technically, we could end the discussion right there.  Jesus makes it abundantly clear who qualifies to be His friend.  However, let's look at why Jesus is not a friend of sinners and where this idea comes from.

How to Build a Godly Home

I wanted to share with you sermons from Pastor Zac Poonen on how to build a Godly home.

There are so many misconceptions in this area.  From those who seem to have no regard for a family rooted in God to those who try to exert legalistic control over families in order to give the appearance that their home is rooted in God.

It is the same in the church, which is the family of God.  A fellowship cannot have a disregard for Godly character and neither can it impose legalistic ordinances in the hopes of developing Godly fruit.  Both of these approaches is the antithesis of Godly authority and is of the flesh.

The type of life needed in the home is the same as what is needed in the church: it is the life of the Spirit of God.  It is only when we are seeking and submitting to the leading of the Spirit - and not simply the whims of man - that Godly families (both physical and spiritual) are birthed.

May God keep us from the deception of believing that the works of the Spirit can be counterfeited by works of the flesh or that appearances count more than spiritual substance.  Pastor Poonen does an excellent job in expounding upon these basic tenets of faith as it is reflected in our families.

You can click below on each topic's header to hear the sermon or click on the link above to see the whole list of sermons in this area.

Without Wax

Be Ye Sincere

Sincere: Pure, sincere, unsullied; found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun's light; free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; genuine; real; unmixed; unadulterated.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-10

In a recent conversation with a sister in the Lord, we spoke of how one handles what might be called character flaws in church leadership. What does the life of a man/woman say about how God is using them, whether they have strayed from the faith, or even whether they have been called of God at all?  How does the life they live reflect on the veracity of their calling and the fruit we are commanded to look for in elders?  When is it appropriate to speak about such things?  When is it time to turn away from such persons? 

A CERTAIN Judgment

MY God Wouldn't do that!

I was reading the Book of Amos yesterday and my Bible's intro for this describes it as: God announcing His certain judgment on a people certain He would not judge.  What a fitting description for much of the modern day church.

There has been an extremely successful effort underway to repackage what the Scriptures call "the world" and rebrand it as being of God.  Under this brilliant marketing campaign, religion has fashioned "another Jesus" (II Corinthians 11:4).  This new Jesus provides people with an alternative to following God's ways while still being able to consider themselves "Christian".  It produces a "Christian" who names the name of Jesus, but stands diametrically opposed to everything that Jesus is.

Our Father's Love Letter to You

In a previous article, I wrote on the topic of what it means for God to be Our Father and how reconciliation with Him means a restoring of the heart of patriarchy in our lives. 

I recently saw the following poem from Barry Adams in Dr. Annie Zac Poonen's book entitled "Woman, Why Are You Weeping?"  I pray that it encourages you.

FATHER’S LOVE LETTER

The words you are about to read are true.  They will change your life if you let them - for they come from the heart of God.  He loves you.   And He is the Father you’ve been looking for all your life.  This is His love letter to you.

The Mercy of God

May God Have Mercy On Our Souls

As I listened to this message today, it so convicted me.  I realized that at times in my heart - even if I hadn't verbalized it - I had been telling God, "It is just not fair."

Hear me here.  I am not speaking of conscious thought.  I am speaking of the hidden matters of the heart.  While I was holding on to faith and pressing on in the Lord, inside I was questioning: Why God?  Why is such and such happening? Why are you allowing it?

Honestly, I know that there are times we will have questions. However, at the heart of such statements is the belief that somehow, we don't deserve "this" [whatever "this" may be].  It is an accusation against God's righteousness.

Truths I've Learned by Pastor Zac Poonen

In these series of sermons, Pastor Zac Poonen outlines some truths that he has learned in his many years as a Christian.  I was originally going to call this article, "OUCH!" and once you hear the sermon, you will likely know why. 

As always, he has a way of explaining in very straightforward terms key principles of the Christian faith which are sure to feed your spirit and encourage you in the journey.

• God loves us as much as He loves Jesus.
• God delights in honest people.
• God delights in cheerful givers and not things done by compulsion.
• We must treat every human being with dignity.
• Holiness comes by looking on to Jesus.
• What it means to "take up our cross" daily.
• The world's opinions of us - whether good or bad - are fit for the trash can.
• We must be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.
• The test which should be applied to any "truth" is does it make you more free?  Free from the world, from sin, from people, from tradition, etc.
• This world's values are the opposite of God's values.
• Nobody can harm us except we ourselves.
• Knowing God intimately is the secret to being strong.
• God has a solution for every single problem you have.
• God has got a perfect plan for each of our lives.
• The new covenant is far superior to the old covenant.  What was external in the old becomes inward in the new.
• We will be rejected and persecuted by the world.
• There is no pre-tribulation rapture.
• God will supply all of your needs.
• We must receive all whom God has received.
  

The Valley of Achor for a Door of Hope

Hanging By A Line of Scarlet Thread

"Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee." Zechariah 9:12

Have you ever felt that the burdens you carry are too heavy for you to bear?  That God was not hearing your prayers or responding to your petitions?  That you were just overwhelmed or alone in your situation?  Such things caused me to seek God for a renewal of His hope in me and a better understanding of how to hold on to it.

The Scriptures are full of references to God's love, His longsuffering, and His mercy; where His arm is outstretched to save.  The Book of Hosea is one example of this.  The word "Hosea" literally means salvation.

The Sovereign Grace of God

Grace is for the Undeserving

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6

The key to receiving the grace of God is to be humble, which is why God repeatedly commands man to humble himself (Exodus 10:3; Deuteronomy 8:2, 12; II Chronicles 7:14; 34:27; Jeremiah 13:18; Matthew 18:4; 23:12; James 4:10; I Peter 5:6).

The opposite of this is pride, which is the root of why Lucifer fell.  It stands in stiff-necked contention against God and against His ways.  Pride hardens the heart so that we cannot receive the things of God...even His grace (Daniel 5:20; Obadiah 1:3).

We have spoken previously on the topics of eternal security, predestination, and free will.  However, in the following video, David Pawson discusses the topic of God's sovereignty and His grace.  What is sovereign, irresistible or unconditional grace? What does it mean to be "saved by grace"?  Minister Pawson examines what a Scriptural understanding of grace is so that we can truly appreciate God's gift.

I Cannot Perfect Myself

The Man in the Mirror

One thing that a religious mindset will always do is get you to focus on how what YOU need to do to change yourself.  Self-improvement, self-actualization, self-evolution, self-fulfillment, self-awareness...

Even those who profess to have no religious affiliations still display this religious way of thinking.  From the atheist to the buddhist or the wiccan, they all belong to the same school of thought: man can improve his own self. 

Have you ever considered how much time, money, and resources are wasted every day as people try to "better" themselves?  Just take a look at marketing ads as an example.  Need to obtain bigger bust lines, bottoms, or lips?  There's a surgery for that.  Need to remove wrinkles? There's an injection for that.  Need to enhance your concentration or intellect?  There's a school or conference for that.  Need to grow longer eyelashes?  There's even a drug for that.  Businesses make billions of dollars each year, by taking advantage of people's desires to mold themselves based on what looks good in their own eyes.

People spend their whole lives examining themselves in the mirror and trying to perfect what they don't like.  Yet in the end, they die in the same wretched inward condition in which they lived, because the extent of their change can only be cosmetic. 

All Hallow's Eve

All Follows Evil

All Saint's Day celebration at a cemetery
in Poland to honor the dead.

Having been raised a Catholic, it was nothing for us to celebrate "All Hallow's Eve", commonly called Halloween or "All Saints' Day".  This commemoration is defined as:

All Saints Day is when the [Catholic] Church commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The eve of All Saints is known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween...On All Saints Day, we celebrate these saints of the Lord, and ask for their prayers and intercessions. The whole concept of All Saints Day is tied in with the concept of the Communion of Saints. This is the belief that all of God's people, on heaven, earth, and in the state of purification (called Purgatory in the West), are connected in a communion...

The vigil of the Feast (the eve) has grown up in the English speaking countries as a festival in itself, All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. While many consider Halloween pagan (and in many instances the celebrations are for many), as far as the [Catholic] Church is concerned the date is simply the eve of the feast of All Saints...The day after All Saints day is called All Soul's Day, a day to remember and offer prayers up on behalf of all of the faithful departed.

Traditional Customs: Visiting Cemeteries and Giving "Soul Cakes" to the poor [an ancient custom where people beg for bread in return for praying for the spirits of the dead in the household].

Catholic Liturgy of the Hours All-Saints Prayer:
Father, All-Powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The True Israel of God

Vatican synod called by Pope Benedict XVI
to address the plight of Christians in the Middle East

No Longer Chosen?

Who is Israel and to what group of people is God referring to when we see that reference in Scripture, especially the New Testament?

This can be a question which generates much debate...from the 'Christian identity sects' who all want to claim to be descendants of Israel to those who deny the existence of Israel altogether.  However, this is also a topic about which Scripture is very clear.  

In a Vatican Synod last week addressing the nation of Israel's presence in the Gaza Strip, the Roman Catholic Church stated:

"We Christians cannot speak of the ‘promised land’ as an exclusive right for a privileged Jewish people. This promise was nullified by Christ. There is no longer a chosen people – all men and women of all countries have become the chosen people."

Now the Roman Catholic Church has a highly anti-semitic history, which is consistent with the anti-christ spirit under it operates (even while waving a false banner of "Christianity").  However, once again the Scriptures clearly refute the erroneous assertions of this institution.  God repeatedly states that there is still a particular people which He chooses as His own.

The Land Mourns for Corn, New Wine, and Oil

Joel's Armies

"The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth. Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished. The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." Joel 1:10-15

There was a HUGE thunderstorm this morning, like a deluge.  It was a drenching rain with lightenings so close and pronounced that even my children called out at the sight of it.  It was so intense, that as I prayed this morning I asked the Lord what He would have me to know about this storm; and He led me to the Book of Joel.

My Princess Boy

There is More Than One Way to Be a Boy

Is there?  What is it intrinsically which makes one a boy or a girl?  Is it a God who creates each individual to be male or female?  Or is gender defined by how we feel or what we decide we want to be?

These are the type of questions a mother from Seattle, Washington (Cheryl Kilodavis) had to struggle to come to terms with as she noticed in her son the propensity for wearing dresses and girls' accessories.  This prompted her to write a book entitled "My Princess Boy" which tells of her journey into accepting her son's preferences.  This book is now being used in schools to teach on diversity and inclusion - not just tolerance - for those who are "different".

So, what is the big deal?  When God said that it is an abomination for a man to dress like a woman, was He just being too intolerant (Deuteronomy 22:5)?  When He says that the effeminate shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, is He just kidding (I Corinthians 6:9)?

What About Pledging?

Should Christians Join Fraternities & Sororities?

"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him." Deuteronomy 13:6-8

As we continue delving into Babylon, it is fitting that we examine how our young people are being initiated into the mystery religions via pledging to fraternities and sororities. In a nutshell, these organizations are occult societies because they are secret, exclusive organizations open only to the initiated. 

Occult: That which is done in secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated;
hidden from view; of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use
or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.

Somebody OUGHT To Be Whooped!

E. Dewey Smith Jr. "whooping it up" in the pulpit.
Pastor, Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church

A Crying Shame

Last week, I did an article on the blog called The Road to Hell which discussed the great "performances" which occur in the pulpits as preachers in Babylon use sorcery to control the church members in the pews.  The emphasis is not on opening up the revelation of God's word to impart a clear understanding, but in getting the people jumping, shouting, crying and yelling out "Amen!"

It just so happens that today, CNN has come out with an article entitled, "Black preachers who 'whoop' -- minstrels or ministers?" where they examine the phenomenon of "whooping" in the African-American community. 

whooping: the use of use vocal gymnastics and storytelling
to emotionally inspire & engage (and I might add bewitch) congregations

Babylonian Mystery Religion in Sistine Chapel

In the last message we posted from Pastor Mike Hoggard, he was addressing the Mother of All Secrets, which I still happen to believe is one of the most important lessons for Christians to hear.  So if you have not watched it before, please do so.

However, in his recent Watchman broadcast, Pastor Hoggard delves into the mystery religions of Babylon (i.e., Roman Catholicism, Kemet, etc.) and how it is rooted in goddess & phallic worship.  In this examination, he uses the "Christian" symbolism we see in the Sistine Chapel to illustrate this deception.

As always, Pastor Hoggard's research is not for the faint of heart.  In this prophetic research newscast, he discusses:

• Roman Catholicism as a mystery religion and not Christianity.   As a former Catholic, I can only agree wholeheartedly with the truth he reveals about this organization.  Please pray for the deliverance of those people who have been deceived by this wicked institution.  In case it is not clear, let me reiterate: Roman Catholicism is not a Christian religion, and Pastor Hoggard sheds light on one way in which this is revealed...in their own Sistine Chapel.
  

Hell Bent

On Razing Hell

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:23-24

We have discussed how Babylon exploits man's sinful nature by using it to ensnare him in a life of religious performance while he is inwardly still bound in sin and hating the God he claims to serve.  Since man must remain bound to sin to be susceptible to Babylon's sorcery, the issue of sin - and specifically God's judgment for it - must be dismissed in order to deceive.

This is why many doctrines of Babylon teach that one can still be saved in spite of continual sin in our lives.  One way that this is done is through the "gospel of inclusion" (promoted by Carlton Pearson) and others like it such as: Universalism, Ultimate Reconciliation, or Comprehensive Grace.  While there are minor differences among them, central to each of these doctrines is a belief that all humanity will be saved and none will suffer eternal damnation.  Of course, to teach this, one has to destroy the very notion that there is such a place as the Hell described in the Scriptures.

In the first article which started these series of posts, we discussed an interview given by Carlton Pearson where he speaks of Hell.  Summing up Pearson's perspective, Keith Morrison (NBC) states, "Clear as a bell, says Carlton, he heard God telling him to preach this new message.  That hell is a place in life and that after death, everybody is redeemed....everybody!"  When asked by Morrison whether this means that Adolph Hitler is in Heaven, Carlton's response was:

"Yes! You think Hitler is more powerful than the blood of Jesus?  I mean I got a Hell to put a lot of people in; I'd send Hitler and every slave driver straight to hell and a few deacons in my church if you want to know the truth. I'd send people to Hell, but I'm not God.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not ours only, but the sins of the whole world."

This is the stroke of genius, the masterpiece which allows sin to abound in Babylon unfettered, effectively putting a muzzle on anyone who would talk about sin.  I don't want anyone pointing out my sin, so in turn, I cannot say anything about their sin.  There is an unspoken bond of silence for those in Babylon, whereby they agree not to judge that which is sinful.  Instead of keeping the Biblical mandate to expose deeds of darkness and have no fellowship with them (Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5:9-11; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; II Thessalonians 3:6-14; I Timothy 5:20, 6:3-5), they instinctively move to cover sin, keep it hidden, and stay in fellowship with it!  They actually fight against the very thing which would bring them liberty; repentance from sin.

Hell Hath No Fury

Like a Woman Scorned

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." Revelation 18:2-8

In the previous post, we examined how the Whore of Babylon is inwardly filled with animosity against God - even while outwardly claiming to serve & represent Him.  Churches all across this world are full of smiling preachers/congregants performing in the pulpits/pews to hide the fact that they really hate God for His condemnation of sin (John 15:22-25).  Being the habitation of devils and every unclean thing, she secretly rages against God like a woman scorned, knowing that His judgment is looming.

The harlot does everything possible to make it seem as if there will be no judgment.  She spins a web of deceit so that the world will get drunk by the wine of the "wrath" her fornication.  This is why the amusement park atmosphere in Babylon exists.  She glorifies and exalts herself to be bigger than life; she lives deliciously in a life of luxury and excess so that the people will not see her as she really is.  She has to continually pump artificial life into the people so that they will believe: she sits a queen, she is no widow, and she shall see no sorrow.

The Road to Hell

Is Paved With Spiritual Sodomy

In a previous series, we addressed what it is to be a spiritual sodomite. This is a very real spiritual condition about which many in the churchworld are blinded...even while being affected by it.

Simply put, a spiritual sodomite is someone bound by the fallen nature or what the Scriptures call the "old man".  Just as physical sodomy perverts the physical nature of man, spiritual sodomy perverts the spiritual nature of man.

Man was created so that his spirit would take input from the Spirit of God, which in turn would dictate to his soul (mind, thoughts, emotions) as the body carries out those directives.  However in spiritual sodomy, this natural order is reversed.  Man's spirit is held captive by his soul, which prevents him from hearing God and makes him soulish as the body carries out the desires of the flesh (Romans 8:5-9).  This is the reason people go to Hell; because they are led by their own five, carnal senses instead of by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14).

The foundation of Babylon is built upon spiritual sodomy.  The life-changing force of God is replaced with a pseudo imitation which mimics life via stimulation of the flesh.  Being powerless to actually impart new life to its followers, expansive "amusement parks" of religious systems & structures are created to keep the flesh entertained and the people blinded to the reality of their true spiritual condition. Since they cannot reproduce the life of God or manifest the fruit of the Spirit in its followers, this harlot hides behind an array of "good works" so that it can appear (self-)righteous before men. 

As I watched a news interview with Carlton Pearson, it struck me how his life mirrors the tragedy of one who has been stuck in Babylon and never really known God.  "How can you say that?", some might ask.  He was a power preacher who had thousands of followers and headed some of the most popular Christian conferences in the nation.  I would suggest that you listen to his own words.  Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.  While you can see the entire interview for yourself here, I have referenced a number of his words (in green text below) which illustrate how he has been raised in, and deceived by, that great amusement park called Babylon.

Two Churches, Babylon and Jerusalem

Once again, Pastor Zac Poonen uses the two trees in the Garden of Eden - the tree of the knowledge of good & evil and the tree of life - to speak of the difference between living for self versus living for God.

We see these two trees symbolized in Scripture by two systems: Babylon and Jerusalem.  What is the difference between the two?  How do we know what it is to be religious versus what it is to be spiritual?  It is not primarily the doctrine to which we hold.  The answer is fire! The fire of the Holy Spirit.

Babylon is a Christianity of the head (knowledge, intellect).  Jerusalem is a Christianity of the heart (devotion, passion). 

Apocalypse Now - Part 15

In Part 15 of Apocalypse Now by Omega Church & Ministries Center, Pastor Gary C. Price sums up this teaching and explains what we will see as the church is used by God to bring people out of the world.

The topics in this video include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 15

• What is the objective of the Ahab-Jezebel coalition?
• Society will continue to degrade as people elevate that which is debased and amoral
• World War III will be set into motion
• How God will raise up His people in power in the midst of this evil as the world turns on the church as its unifying enemy.
  

Therefore...

Be God Centered - And Not In Yourselves

By Pastor Zac Poonen

There were two trees in the garden of Eden – and they represented two ways of life. The tree of life symbolized a life centred in God – where God would be the centre of every decision made by man. The tree of knowledge of good and evil on the other hand, symbolized a life where Self would be the centre, and where man would live without consulting God and would determine himself what was good and what was evil. God sent Adam and Eve into that garden and told them, as it were, “You can choose now which of these two ways you want to live by”. And we all know what Adam chose. He chose to live a life centred in himself.

All the misery, sorrow and murders and every other wretched thing that we see in the world around us, is due to man having decided to choose for himself what is good and what is evil. He doesn’t want God to tell him. And that is the reason for every unhappy marriage as well – even among Christians. Multitudes of Christians live with Self as the centre of their life – and they reap what they sow.

When God made Adam He wanted him to rule over the earth. Adam was created to be a king, not a slave. And God wanted Eve to be a queen beside Adam. But what do we see today? Men and women are slaves everywhere – slaves to their passions and to the corruptible things of earth.

Apocalypse Now - Part 14

In Part 14 of Apocalypse Now, Pastor Gary Price takes a look at the signs we can expect to see as these last days unfold.

The topics in this video include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 14

As the anti-christ spirit becomes more prevalent, there are certain things we will notice:

• An increase in demonic activity as the fallen angels are prepared to be released from Hell.
• Broader acceptance of Islam, even to the extent of adoption of sharia law
• Continued dilution of the middle class
• Seven year peace treaty made in the Middle East around Israel
• More world prominence given to matriarchal leadership
  

8 Ways People Can Deceive Themselves

What does the Scripture say about self-deception?

"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." II Corinthians 11:2-4

In the above text, Paul is speaking of being ready to be presented to Christ as His Bride and he indicates that there is one thing which could prevent us from being ready: deception.

Apocalypse Now - Part 13

Pastor Gary C. Price looks at where the hatred of the Jews stems from and how this same animosity will be directed towards the church.  Most will be unprepared for this hatred because - according to Zechariah - the shepherds have been too busy making themselves rich by fleecing the flock.  Apocalypse Now part 13 shows us what is needed to be victorious over these snares.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 13

• How do we see the ancient tribes which fought against Israel manifested in present-day celebrity worship?
• How do Christians ensure that they are engaged in the battle?
• Why it it important to have a latter rain? 
• Why do hip hop entertainers and rappers seem so enthralled with the things of Egypt?

Apocalypse Now - Part 12

Much of what we see playing out in the world scene around the nation of Israel today is foretold in Scripture and is symbolic of the spiritual battles which the Church of Christ faces. Omega Church & Ministries Center reviews the book of Zechariah to see how God handles the tribes which surrounded Israel and how we deal with those same tribes today.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 12

• What is meant when Zechariah speaks of the “bastard dwelling in Ashdod” in the end times?  
• What do the heathen tribes of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites - which fought Israel’s possession of the Promised Land - have to do with the end time scenario? 

Apocalypse Now - Part 11

Omega Church & Ministries Center reviews the book of Zechariah to see who God is pouring out His wrath upon in the last days.  Understand why Greek culture, Greek thinking, Greek humanities, and Greek fraternal orders are so prevalent in the "higher learning" being taught to our young people in part 11 of the Apocalypse Now series.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 11

• What happens to the enemies of God during this time?  
• Who are the sons of Greece against whom the sons of Zion will fight?  
• How does Greek culture impact society today?  
• Why is androgyny being pushed so heavily in popular culture? 

Cover Yourself with My Title

American Idol

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: that walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!" Isaiah 30:1-2

My family recently watched the movie Jeremiah and once again it struck me how much the American "church"  is like Israel at that time; people seeking prosperity, active in religious works...and very far away from the heart of God.  A people being prepared to go into captivity, and yet totally oblivious as they assume themselves to be under the covering of God's blessings.

Apocalypse Now - Part 10

Many are afraid to examine what the Scriptures say about the end of time, but there is a particular message in Scripture for God's people during these events. Omega Church & Ministries Center continues in the book of Zechariah to see what God has to say in Apocalypse Now part 9.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 9

• What will happen to the remnant of God’s people during these times?  
• What is the house of Judah vs. the house of Israel and how does that connect with believers in Jesus Christ?   
• What is the mark of Jesus Christ?  
• What does Scripture say about prayer and fasting, particularly at this time? 

Apocalypse Now - Part 9

Apocalypse Now Part 9 from Omega Church & Ministries Center looks at the development of global systems in the world, including the moves toward a cashless society and global governance.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 9

• Which seal depicts where we currently are in time? 
• Is the mark of the beast a literal mark on our bodies or could it be something deeper than that?  What is biometrics and how is it being used?   
• The Scripture depicts a global beast system ruled by ten kings.  How does this align with what is commonly called the "new world order"?

Apocalypse Now - Part 8

Omega Church & Ministries Center continues its series on Apocalypse Now, as Part 7 reveals the mystery of the woman sitting in the ephah in Zechariah Chapter 5. 

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 8

• How is the woman sitting on the ephah in Babylon discussed in Zechariah related to the woman riding the beast with the title “Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth” in Revelation?  
• Why does this entity attempt to destroy the family structure?  
• Does the Scripture support the fact that God’s authority is patriarchal?  
• How many of society’s ills are symptoms of fatherlessness?

Seek Ye First

"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:31-34

Is there something weighing on you today? Some trouble, pain, oppression, worry, or fear?  We know that we can cast our burdens unto the Lord, but how exactly do we do that?

Apocalypse Now - Part 7

Apocalypse Now Part 7 features Pastor Gary C. Price reviewing signs prevalent in society which attest to the fact that we are living in the last days before the second coming of Jesus Christ.  In doing so, he examines the root cause of all rebellion, from the foundation of the world, as revealed by the Scriptures.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 7

• How is the epidemic of obesity and over-eating a sign of these end times?  
• Where do we see the end time scenario, including the revelation of the four horsemen, revealed in Scripture other than in Revelation?  
• What is the mystery of vision for the woman sitting in the ephah discussed in Zechariah Chapter 5?
• What is the root of Babylonian authority and how did it infiltrate Israel & the Church?   
• Why is matriarchal authority such a curse on God’s people?  
• What does the rise of the “metrosexual” say about the approach of the last days?

Apocalypse Now - Part 6

In Part 6 of Apocalypse Now, Pastor Gary C. Price continues discussing the relevance of the four horsemen and what we can expect to see as they are released.

Topics include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 6

• What do the balances signify in the hands of the black horseman of the apocalypse?  
• What does the current global economic distress reveal about these times?  
• What is released from Hell in the run of the pale horse, which is death?

Elevate, Excuse, Entertain

Jannes & Jambres Are in the Pulpits

In a previous article, we examined how many in the churchworld have a propensity for elevating, excusing, and entertaining teachers who the Scriptures say soothe itching ears.  Although that article highlighted the symptoms we see manifested as a result of these errors (sexual scandals, financial fraud, decadence, etc.) what is the cause?

• Why are those who are not called by God to minister to His people often the very ones whom people flock to in order to be ministered?  
• What are the signs which identify that someone is a hireling vs. a true man of God?  
• Is it Biblical for a man or woman to be your spiritual "covering"? 
• Is the Bible being used to incant spells over people in order to rape and pillage them?  
• How is God using sorcerers (often called by men pastor, bishop, reverend, apostle, etc.) to bewitch those who receive not the love of the truth?
• What can you do to ensure that you are not subject to this divination and wizardry?

Apocalypse Now - Part 5

In Part 5 of the Omega Church & Ministries Center series on Apocalypse Now, common misconceptions about the end times are addressed.

Topics covered include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 5

• Is there going to be a pre-tribulation rapture?  
• What do we see in examining the first four seals of the apocalypse?  
• Is the first horseman riding on the white horse Jesus Christ?  
• How are many in the world being deceived by looking for a coming teacher or avatar who will redeem this present world and its structures, i.e. maitreya, mahdi, etc.?  
• How does the red horseman bring wars and rumors of wars? 

Apocalypse Now - Part 4

In Apocalypse Now Part 4,  Pastor Gary Price examines the Book of Revelation Chapter 6, looking at what are commonly called the "four horsemen of the apocalypse".

Topics covered in this portion of the series are:

Apocalypse Now - Part 4

• What do the four horsemen of the apocalypse symbolize?  
• What protections can the believers in Jesus Christ expect during this time?

THIS is the way. Walk here!

I received the following message from Pastor Zac Poonen today, and felt it was important enough to share.  I hope it blesses you, but more importantly, flames the desire in your hearts to seek and hold on to the truths of God. 

The Importance of a Prophetic Ministry

"If you leave God's paths and go astray (to the right or to the left), you will hear a Voice behind you say, `No, this is the way; walk here'" (Isa. 30:20,21 - Living).

The Voice referred to here is the voice of the Holy Spirit who alerts us when we go even slightly astray (to the right or to the left) from the straight and narrow path that leads to the throne of God. When we look at even the churches of believers today, we find that most of them have got into a rut - either to the right or to the left of the straight line of truth.